Crandall Creek

*Angling regulations may have changed since X-Stream Angler Articles were written. Please check current Fishing Regulations for current fishing limits.

About the segment - Crandall Creek is a tributary of the Clarks Fork river in northwest Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park. The creek is off the beaten path as you must travel up the Chief Joseph highway to access it. Anglers will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, but be sure to pack along bear spray.

Rationale - A study and associated recommendations for this instream flow water right were completed in 2014 and designed to identify and protect base flow habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Crandall Creek contains a conservation population of this species. Yellowstone cutthroat trout was historically widespread in the Clarks Fork drainage, but only a few conservation populations remain and this water right will help ensure the persistence of this species in Wyoming. Although this is a sensitive species, the threats are largely associated with habitat alteration (such as reduced stream flows) and hybridization with non-native species, not from angling.

Fishery - Crandall Creek is managed for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but rainbow trout from the Clarks Fork have also managed to work their way up into this creek. Both species are readily caught on flies and lures due to relatively light angling pressure and this large creek holds some large trout. The large size of this creek and high elevation of the drainage means that it usually flows very high until mid- to late summer when the fish feed eagerly during the short growing season. Be prepared to hike upstream a bit to access the fishing but the effort is worth it.

How to get there - Travel on state highway 120 North out of Cody and head west on highway 296 (Chief Joseph Highway) toward sunlight basin. Continue on 296 until you reach the turnoff for the Crandall Creek Ranger station (just before crossing Crandall Creek) on the left. Turn here and travel up to the trail head. Park and hike across through property owned by the Crandall Creek Ranch (easement allows hiking) about one mile to the creek (do not take the left turn toward Lodge Pole Creek). The instream flow segment runs upstream from North Fork Crandall up to Hoodoo Creek.

Crandall Creek

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